Dan Crowley has told The Starthat he rejected approaches from Championship clubs Huddersfield Town and MK Dons to join League One Barnsley on loan.

The 17-year-old, who was the second youngest player to be shortlisted for the U21 Premier League Player of the Year award last season, admitted he had loan approaches from higher placed clubs, but was determined to get out and play regular first-team football.

“MK Dons, Huddersfield and Peterborough were all interested in me, but I was really impressed with the gaffer [Lee Johnson],'' Crowley was quoted as saying in The Star.

“I didn’t want to go to a Championship club and not play, but the gaffer said I’m going to play.”

How much of a coup is Crowley for Barnsley?

The signing of Crowley, who is tipped to have a very bright future at Arsenal, will leave many League One clubs envious as he has the ability to be a matchwinner despite his young age.

He is especially dangerous at set-pieces, and has a reputation as one of the best free-kick takers at youth level. However, it will be his creativity that will be the biggest draw for Johnson.

As a naturally gifted player, he has the ability to pick passes that many other players don’t see and his dribbling technique is second to none.

He has been likened to Jack Wilshere in the past, as per talkSPORT, which gives an indication as to just how good he could be for this coming season should he adapt quickly to the rigours of the Football League.